There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a classic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry—tender ground beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce, all served over fluffy rice. This quick, weeknight-friendly meal packs a comforting punch, bursting with both color and flavor in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 30-Minute Wonder: From pan to plate in half an hour, this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry delivers big flavor fast—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Incredible Sauce: The glossy, savory-sweet sauce made with soy, garlic, brown sugar, and a splash of honey coats every bite beautifully.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the tender beef and bright, crunchy vegetables—plus, you can easily add extras everyone enjoys!
- Customizable & Affordable: Swap the protein or veggies and keep your grocery bill in check—all without sacrificing taste or comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients build the iconic flavors of Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Every piece—from the ground beef to the perfect sauce—plays a role in bringing this dish to life, adding texture, color, and pure satisfaction.
- Peanut oil: Gives a subtle nutty richness and works wonders for high-heat cooking; swap with vegetable or olive oil if you prefer.
- Broccoli florets: The star veggie—vibrant, crisp yet tender, and perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Ground beef: Juicy and flavorful, it cooks quickly and makes this recipe both hearty and protein-packed.
- Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and savory depth to every bite.
- Red bell pepper: For flashes of color and a hint of sweetness, plus an extra dose of crunch.
- Salt and white pepper: Your seasoning basics—white pepper brings a gentler, fragrant heat that’s classic in stir fries.
- Cornstarch & cold water: Mixed together to create a silky, luscious sauce that clings to every bit of beef and veg.
- Beef broth: The foundation for a deeply savory, umami-rich sauce.
- Soy sauce: Adds salty umami and that beloved stir fry flavor; consider low sodium if you like to control saltiness.
- Brown sugar & honey: The dynamic duo for a perfectly sweet-savory balance.
- Minced garlic & ground ginger: Essential aromatics—don’t skip these for that restaurant-style depth.
- Toasted sesame oil: A finishing touch that brings a nutty, deeply fragrant accent (a little goes a long way!).
- Cooked rice (any kind): The ultimate base to soak up every last drop of savory sauce.
Variations
The best part about Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry? You can customize it a dozen ways—whether you need to accommodate dietary needs, use what’s in your fridge, or simply mix up the flavors!
- Swap the Beef: Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork make fabulous substitutes—just follow the same steps for a lighter take.
- Mix Up the Veggies: Toss in snap peas, julienned carrots, kale, water chestnuts, or celery; it’s a great way to clean out your crisper and add color.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, and double-check your broth!
- Sodium Control: Use low sodium soy sauce and reduced sodium beef broth to dial back the saltiness without losing flavor.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1: Prep the Sauce and Cornstarch Slurry
Before you touch the skillet, combine the cornstarch with cold water in a lidded container and give it a good shake—this will help thicken your sauce later. In a separate bowl, stir together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. This quick sauce prep means you’re ready to go once things get sizzling!
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli
Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until they’re bright green and just beginning to soften. This quick sauté keeps the broccoli crisp-tender and full of flavor—perfect for that classic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry vibe!
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Onion
Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper, then add it to the skillet with the diced onions. Cook over medium-high heat, crumbling the meat and mixing as you go. When the beef is browned and the onion is tender and fragrant, drain off any excess grease to keep things light.
Step 4: Add Bell Peppers & Start the Sauce
Add the sliced red bell peppers to the pan and cook for just a minute—they should stay crisp and vibrant. Pour in your prepared sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it simmer and reduce slightly for a couple minutes so all the flavors start to meld.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Give the cornstarch slurry a quick shake and slowly drizzle it into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Watch as the sauce bubbles up and transforms into a lush, glossy coating for your Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Continue to cook until you reach your ideal thickness.
Step 6: Finish and Serve!
Turn the heat down to low and add the sautéed broccoli back in. Gently stir to combine and warm everything through. Top your Stir Fry with fresh green onions or your favorite toppings, then scoop over fluffy rice and dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Broccoli Prep Matters: Always wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli—any lingering water will cause it to steam instead of sauté, making the texture less vibrant.
- Get the Beef Crispy: Don’t overcrowd the pan; let the beef and onions brown nicely for the deepest, most savory flavor base.
- Sauce Consistency: If you like a thicker glaze, let the sauce bubble for a minute longer after adding the cornstarch slurry; for a looser stir fry, reduce the simmer time.
- Flavorful Rice Hack: Add chicken bouillon to your rice-cooking water or use broth instead of plain water—the rice soaks up all that incredible flavor and takes the dish to the next level!
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Garnishes
Finish your Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with a flurry of sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a handful of roughly chopped peanuts for a nutty crunch. If you’re feeling playful, a sprinkle of crispy chow mein noodles or sliced almonds gives every bite extra texture and pizzazz!
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines over a bed of perfectly cooked white or brown rice, but don’t forget steamed jasmine, cauliflower rice, or even noodles! Want more veggies? Serve with a quick Asian cucumber salad or simple miso soup for a takeout-style dinner at home.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry in lettuce cups for a hand-held bite, tuck it into steamed bao buns, or dish it up in individual rice bowls with personalized toppings. It’s also spectacular served family style, letting everyone choose their own adventure with toppings and sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stir fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it a go-to lunch that reheats like a dream!
Freezing
If you’re meal prepping, cool the Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—just note the broccoli may soften a bit, but the taste remains delicious.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently and heat just until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the broccoli.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the broccoli and pat it very dry before cooking, as excess moisture can make the stir fry watery. Frozen broccoli is a wonderful, convenient swap—just follow the rest of the recipe as directed.
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Is this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry spicy?
The recipe is flavorful but mild, making it super kid-friendly. If you want to dial up the heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce or as a garnish at the end!
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What should I do if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute or add a touch more cornstarch slurry. If it gets too thick, splash in a little extra beef broth or water until you find the perfect consistency.
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Can I make this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry ahead for meal prep?
Yes! This stir fry holds up very well for meal prep. Store portions with rice in separate containers, and you’ll have a flavorful, nourishing meal ready to grab and go all week.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is everything you want in a quick, comforting meal—vivid, saucy, and oh-so satisfying. I hope it lands a spot in your regular dinner rotation and becomes a weeknight favorite at your table. Enjoy every savory, colorful bite!
Print
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A delicious and savory dish featuring tender ground beef and crisp broccoli in a flavorful sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (can sub vegetable or olive)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt/White Pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked rice, any kind
Instructions
- Prep Work – Combine cornstarch and water in a covered container, shake to combine. Set aside. Combine remaining sauce ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli – Heat oil, add broccoli, cook until slightly softened. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Beef – Season beef, cook and crumble with onions until browned. Add bell peppers and cook.
- Add the Sauce – Bring sauce to a boil, simmer, then stir in cornstarch mixture until thickened.
- Add the Broccoli Back – Reduce heat, add broccoli back, stir to combine. Serve over rice.
Notes
- Ground Turkey or Ground Chicken can be used.
- Frozen Broccoli can be used after thawing and drying.
- Ingredient Additions and Topping Options can be customized.
- To Control Sodium, use low sodium soy sauce and broth.
- Process for Perfectly Cooked Rice provided.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
